The 2011 Dressage Affaire CPEDI3* is Underway for Para-Equestrian Dressage Riders

Del Mar, CA - Under the beautiful Southern California sun Para-Equestrian Dressage athletes from all over the world presented their mounts at the jog of the 2011 Dressage Affaire. Horses were examined and evaluated in front of FEI judges, stewards, and veterinarians while spectators observed. This weekend's competition is a Para-Equestrian Dressage CPEDI3* horse show recognized by FEI, USEF, USDF, CDS, and DASC. This event gives para-equestrians the opportunity to qualify for the 2012 Paralympics in London. Friday begins the Team Test, followed by Saturday's Individual Championship, and finally the Freestyle competition on Sunday. International competitors from all five Para-Equestrian Dressage grades (1a, 1b, II, III, and IV) will be in attendance.

The scores from the Team Test will be combined with the scores from the Individual Championship Test to determine each country's overall team placing.

From the United States of America are four riders, Dena Pate aboard Imagine That (Grade IV); Eleanor Brimmer with her horse Vadico Interagro (Grade III); Laurietta Oakleaf and the Stallion VPRH Pegasus vom Nieh (Grade Ib); and Jonathan Wentz aboard a new mount named NTEC Daytona Beach and Wentz's trusty team mate NTEC Ritcher Scale (Grade Ib).

Competing at a CPEDI3* gives each of these riders a chance to ride under the same parameters as what will be expected of them at the Paralympics. However, each of these riders are all looking at this show as an opportunity. Eleanor Brimmer noted, "I would like to have a good time this weekend and hopefully earn my qualifying scores for the 2012 Paralympics." Jonathan Wentz commented, "I hope to really build with my horse Daytona. We have a year and a half until the Paralympics and it would be wonderful to take her. She has all of the potential in the world to compete at that level."

For more information about The Dressage Affaire please contact Keenan Productions & Events by phone 866-933-SHOW, or Kim Keenan-Stordahl kkeenan@dressageevents.com or visit www.dressageevents.com.

FAST FACTS: The 2011 Dressage Affaire Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition
WHERE: Del Mar Horsepark, Del Mar, CA
WHEN: March 10-13, 2011
CPEDI3* JURY: Ulf Wilkin (SWE), Hanneke Gerritsen (NED), and Kathy Amos-Jacob (FRA)
USEF PARA-EQUESTRIAN LIASON: Pam Lane (908) 326-1153
FEI TECHNICAL DELEGATE: Ulf Wilken (SWE)
FEI CHIEF STEWARD: Sandra Rafferty
CLASSIFIERS: Joann Benjamin, Marion Slatter Blitstein
FEI VETERINARIAN: Dr. Mike Tomlinson
MANAGER/CEO: Kim Keenan Stordahl

SHOW INFORMATION:
Phone: 866-933-SHOW ext 703
E-mail: kkeenan@dressageevents.com
Website: www.dressageevents.com
Fax: 540-832-2926

SCHEDULE:
March 11, 2011- Team Test
7:45 a.m. Dena Pate and Imagine That (Grade IV)
8:25 a.m. Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Daytona Beach (Grade Ib)
8:54 a.m. Eleanor Brimmer and Vadico Interagro (Grade III)
9:08 a.m. Laurietta Oakleaf and VPRH Pegasus vom Nieh (Grade Ib)
9:36 a.m. Jonathan Wentz and NTEC Ritcher Scale (Grade Ib)

March 12, 2011- Individual Championship Test
March 13, 2011 - Freestyle Test

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF).

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.